About the Role:
As President & CEO, you will serve as the Chamber's top executive and public voice, connecting a long-term vision with focused action and representing the business community with credibility, conviction, and sound judgment.
You will manage a talented staff of ~18, oversee a diverse program portfolio, and engage with leaders across government, business, and nonprofit sectors.
This is a high-profile, high-impact role that requires business acumen, nonprofit savvy, and a genuine passion for community.
Key Responsibilities:
Serve as the Chamber's lead strategist and visionary;
Develop and implement long-term strategic and annual business plans and financial goals; translating priorities into clear actions, responsibilities, and measurable results;
Work closely with the Board and committees to set priorities and guide governance.
Growth & Innovation:
Strengthen the Chamber's financial position through disciplined management, entrepreneurial thinking, and a clear understanding of organizational and member needs;
Drive revenue growth through innovation and relevance in membership, sponsorships, programs, and fundraising;
Ensure long-term financial sustainability and organizational resilience.
Advocacy & External Affairs:
Lead a credible, informed advocacy agenda that reflects member needs and advances the economic vitality of the community;
Cultivate strong relationships with elected officials, civic leaders, and peer organizations.
Connect local priorities with regional opportunities, bringing people and organizations together to move shared goals forward;
Serve as a visible, trusted spokesperson who translates complex issues into clear, compelling messages in public forums, member communications, and conversations with community leaders.
Team & Operational Leadership:
Lead a team of ~18 full- and part-time staff with a focus on performance, inclusion, and professional development; establishing clear expectations, supporting staff initiative, and building a culture of accountability and collaboration;
Oversee the Chamber's budget, financials, contracts, programs, and internal operations;
Elevate the Chamber's brand through effective communications, outreach, and meaningful relationships.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
We're looking for a visionary, resourceful leader who combines strategic judgment with the ability to build relationships and deliver results.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree and 10 years of relevant experience;
Proven success and astute acumen in strategic planning, fiscal management, and team leadership;
Experience working with a board or comparable governing body preferred;
Strong organizational judgment, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, solve problems, and follow through in a visible, fast-moving environment.
Leadership Qualities:
Visionary and mission-driven with strong execution skills;
Inclusive and collaborative, able to build trust across diverse groups;
Exceptional communicator, particularly in public speaking and stakeholder engagement; connects with audiences large and small, makes complex issues understandable, and earns trust through candor, preparation, and consistency;
Politically savvy and grounded in sound judgment;
Understands competing interests and knows how to advance priorities, while preserving constructive relationships;
Ethical, adaptable, and accountable.
Passion:
Deep belief in the power of business to build community and the ability to translate that passion into collaborative and effective change and improvement;
Commitment to local prosperity and regional economic health.
Compensation:
$150K - $175K annual base salary, DOE, for this full-time, exempt position;
Annual performance bonus, subject to organizational financial performance.
Benefits:
401(K) with annual company match to employee contribution up to 4%, upon completion of prescribed employment milestones;
80 hours of annual paid vacation annually in years 1 - 3, which begins accruing on the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment; increasing to 120 hours annually thereafter;
96 hours of paid sick time annually, which begins accruing on start date; eligibility for use after 60 days of employment;
9 paid public holidays, plus 1 floating holiday annually;
Medical paid 100% for employee; dependent coverage available through employee payroll deductions;
$25K of life insurance paid for employee;
$25K Accident, Death & Disability insurance paid for employee;
60% of employee's base salary, up to $6K monthly, paid for Long-Term Disability insurance;
Expense account;
Paid parking fees;
Tax-free car mileage reimbursement (Accountable Plan).
Working Hours:
The schedule includes frequent early morning meetings and evening events, with weekend commitments as needed to support Chamber programs and community engagement.
Location:
San Luis Obispo, CA - onsite
